The ABPI Code of Practice – what it is and should it be on your radar?

Jayne Packham, a medical information, medical affairs and Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) Code of Practice trainer and consultant, introduces the ABPI Code of Practice, and explains why it should be on your radar if you work in medcomms.

Recorded 1 March 2017 at a MedComms Networking event in Oxford. Produced by NetworkPharma.tv

The ABPI Code of Practice was first written in 1958 by a group of pharmaceutical companies who wanted to maintain high professional and ethical standards in the industry. It is now accepted across the industry, and remains highly relevant to those working in medcomms now. The Code is very wide-ranging, covering not just promotional activities, such as the promotion of prescription medicines, sales activities and advertising, but also how pharma companies use information, make claims and comparisons, deal with the public and media, use consultants, organise meetings, provide educational goods and services, and link with patient organisations.

The Code is set out in clauses, of which clause 16 is among the most important to medcomms, in stating that: ‘all relevant personnel, including contractors, must be trained in the Code if preparing or approving materials or engaged in activities covered by the Code’. Besides its remit to maintain high standards, the code aims to provide guidance regarding good practice in the industry, covering, for example, how much companies can spend on food and drinks at sponsored events, and how to make prescribing information legible.

Though not a legal document, the Code has a great deal of legislation built into it, from both European and UK law. It changes frequently as legislation changes, and to incorporate new elements arising from cases of infringement, which are subject to fines and penalties. The UK ABPI Code is regarded as one of the strictest of all country codes, and is often used by companies as a basis for producing global materials.

[For the avoidance of doubt: this video is intended to be freely accessible to all. Please feel free to share and use however you like. Cheers Peter Llewellyn, Director NetworkPharma Ltd and Founder of the MedComms Networking Community activity at http://www.medcommsnetworking.com]

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